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Why No Mazda MX-5 Miata 20th Anniversary Edition For Americans?

 
7 821 views Mar 25, 2010

2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata

2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata

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You’ve probably heard by now that Mazda is building 20th Anniversary editions of the MX-5 (Miata). The first edition was launched at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show and aimed at the European market, the second was aimed at the UK, and the most recent, a Black and Matte edition, is being aimed at the Japanese market. What I haven’t seen is a U.S. edition. Does Mazda hate America?

The short answer: Yes. The longer answer is a bit more complicated. It seems that times are tough for the MX-5 here in the U.S. With executives calling it a second car and a self indulgent vehicle, and with the U.S. economy still in the toilet, the outlook is grim for the affable little speedster.

But I love the MX-5. I own a 2007 Copper Red Grand Touring Edition with an orange and tan leather interior and consider it one of the best cars I’ve ever bought. It reminds me of my MGB Roadster, but without the electrical and mechanical problems and snickers from teenagers. Granted, mine could use a better sound system (as I don’t have head-rest mounted speakers), you can’t carry anything larger than a scarf, and the ride can be a little rough, especially when you’re going 110 mph down a pot-hole infested side street. But I really like the car and bought it at the middle of the economic collapse.

Americans have bought a ton of these cars and I think the U.S. market deserves a nice little Anniversary edition. I hope it won’t be as tacky as the UK version or as odd as the Japanese version, but it would be a nice gesture. I recommend a bright blue or red model with white leather seats, American flag logos, and “Dont Tread On Me” spray painted on the doors.





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Comments (7)

  1. By mee Posted: 3/26/2010 2:03pm PDT

    I think they are afraid of our Anti-Japanese recall frenzy
     
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  2. By turningjapanese Posted: 3/26/2010 2:16pm PDT

    probably because they sell like hotcakes even without a special edition.
     
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  3. By AutoKing Posted: 3/26/2010 2:59pm PDT

    have to think the fact it has been considered by likely a good number of folks as a second, "fun" car has hurt things quite a bit. with the current economic realities it may take a few years before those kind of purchases are "allowed" again. interesting stuff.
     
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  4. By Edward Posted: 3/26/2010 4:00pm PDT

    Oh, the Miata will survive. They haven't pinned themselves into any corners. Its appeal is all over the place, young and old.
     
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  5. By Eric Berlin Posted: 3/26/2010 5:59pm PDT

    This car is sweet... but I'm fondly recalling my old Mazda Protege that I had for many years through brutal commutes, crisscrossed the country a number of times, and was big part of the reason I finally moved across the country. Ah, the memories.
     
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  6. By Rigidity Posted: 3/26/2010 7:11pm PDT

    I agree, I think they're missing a huge bet. Twenty years ago (summer of '89, or was it summer of '90) the Miata was THE car to have, huge waiting lists, people clustering around them. And everyone loved it. I think they could recapture some of that & sell a bunch more. Shortsighted on their part.
     
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  7. By Robert Posted: 3/28/2010 2:40am PDT

    Can't understand them, I'm sure thay could have a huge success with this.
     
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